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The characters inBleachall have their own vibe and unique features. Even when characters are given neutral color palettes, they still stand out in some way or the other, like Byakuya and his hair accessories. You don’t have to be the protagonist ofBleachto catch the reader’s attention.
So it’s quite a shock that, despite such an intricate and detailed storyline with intense lore, Tite Kubo actually creates and designs his characters first. The story depends on them rather than the story determining their existence. Bleach might be the only manga that operates this way.
This way, Kubo makes sure his characters aren’t just forced into the storyline ofBleach. Their existence is completely justified and nobody can argue they’re “out of place” since the mangaka made the lore revolve around his characters.
Tite Kubo talks about his special process of creating characters inBleach
In most manga series, the authors would typically map out the story first and then create the characters. However, a legendary mangaka likeTite Kubocracked a different way of making characters. Thanks to this, we’ve had iconic figures like Ichigo Kurosaki,Yoruichi Shihoin, Sosuke Aizen, and more.
The characters come first inBleach,never the storyline. Kubo doesn’t compromise on a solid character arc, althoughit can get overly reliant on fan service in the anime adaptation. It doesn’t negate how well-written they are, no matter how much skin is shown in favor of cutting dialogue.
“It simply wouldn’t be the same without Byakuya”: Pay Tite Kubo Some Respect for Going Against ‘Bleach’ Fans to Give Us One of the Best Scenes Ever
When asked about the process of creating characters forBleachinan interview with Shonen Jump Alpha, the interviewer notes an edgier style in comparison to other Shonen anime. Tite Kubo explains:
I don’t really have a specific process to make characters. But I always have quite a few characters in my mind.When I start a new story arc, I think back to the “stock” of characters in my mind. I draw them in a group and see if they are appropriate to the next story. It’s pretty easy to pick who is going to be the main character.Then I pick the other characters in relation to the main character based on what would suit their personality. This is not the way everybody creates manga, but I like to create the story based on the characters.
His method employs character-driven storytelling that works so well forBleach.The interactions between his cast are incredibly authentic for this reason. Kubo thinks of their dynamic and grouping first, instead of shoving them into a plot where they just have to make peace with each other.
The manga industry can learn a lot from Tite Kubo
His character creation process might be unorthodox and hard to comprehend but Tite Kubo’s imagination is what drivesBleach.This is why the manga industry needs more of this.
So while authors might not believe they can replicate his genius, it’s entirely possible to make a series that revolves around the characters appealing. It was howBleachfound success, and so it can happen again.
“I had to change the way things were made”: Tite Kubo Owes Everything to ‘Demon Slayer’ for Bleach That Made the Comeback of the Decade
Kubo’s creativity, however, is a once in a lifetime phenomenon. We will never see another series that provides the same amount of excitement likeBleachin the manga industry and it’s better if it remains that way.
Bleachis available on Crunchyroll and Disney+ Hotstar.
Bidisha Mitra
Articles Published :802
Bidisha is an Anime Content Writer at FandomWire with over 700 published articles. With over 7 years of writing experience, she’s versatile and adept. When she’s not writing, she’s also a voice actor on the side.Bidisha is currently continuing to learn Japanese and gets more fluent everyday. Her expertise is One Piece, Bungo Stray Dogs, and Haikyuu, but has been watching anime for over a decade. She was previously a Content Writer reviewing the latest Kpop music.
